doubt
 |
Posted on September 27, 2011, 2:44 am
We love to do good. Sometimes though, our desire to do something good leads us to turn people into projects. In the latest issue of Partners, a diaconal newsletter, Linda Weening shares a story of assistance which may make you think about how you speak with those you serve.
Read more » |
 |
Posted on September 15, 2011, 9:40 am | 1 comment
Topics: Leadership
I wish I could be afraid. Like Peter was afraid, once.
It happened this way. One day, after a fruitless night of fishing, Jesus told Peter to throw the nets out on the other side of the boat. Peter thought, "No way. Wrong place; wrong time." But to humor Jesus — who had, after all, just healed his mother-in-law — Peter did as he was told. And according to the story Luke tells, Peter caught a huge load of fish. It seemed a miracle.
Read more » |
 |
Posted on April 26, 2011, 11:11 am
Topics: Congregational Life
Denying Jesus' resurrection started the day he arose. It’s natural to deny the resurrection. We modern folks like to get to the root of things. And at the root of all things biological is that life will end in death. That's all there is, folks. There ain't no more.
Read more » |
 |
Posted on November 12, 2010, 9:45 pm | 12 comments
Topics: Preaching
If you're a preacher who has ever gotten tired, doubtful or in trouble, these novel preaching books by Kenton Anderson might push you back to the Story and Life behind everything. Or, do you want to be a confidant and friend to your pastor? Read these books, lend or give them to him or her and keep talking about life and preaching. Maybe that will help prevent endless sermons. After all, the Word of the Lord lasts forever, but preaching should be shorter, engaged and interesting.
Read more » |
 |
Posted on August 17, 2010, 10:25 pm
Topics: Congregational Life
About a month ago I bumped into one of the daughters as she was visiting a local sister. I had recently visited her mom. We shared our experiences, wondering what stuck in her mom’s mind, what penetrated the formerly glowing eyes that only infrequently glimmer with God-knows-what powerful memory or affection. At one time the daughter sighed, “We all wonder what purpose God has for letting Mom live like this. Why is Mom still hanging on?”
Read more » |
|
|
Posted on May 26, 2010, 2:57 pm
Topics: Congregational Life
May 13 was the least known, possibly most important Christian holiday—Ascension Day. It should kick off big-time Christian parties, like those after the Prime Minister is sworn in–but bigger. It remembers when Jesus—Immanuel, God-with-Us—returned to heaven after his crucifixion and resurrection. From there he rules the universe at God the Father’s right hand.
Read more » |
|
|
Posted on April 23, 2010, 10:12 am
Topics: Congregational Life
Thomas is Christianity’s first famous doubter. Odd, since his doubt surfaced on the very day Christians celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. A week later doubt disappeared. What can dispel doubt today? Start by paying attention to how the Gospel of John is built. Its doubters are boxed in by stories of faith.
Read more » |
|
|
Posted on February 3, 2010, 4:18 pm
Topics: Congregational Life
What do you do when you don't know what to do? Shaken Haiti has been asking that for weeks. We ask ourselves that, as we respond to blows and shocks. Suddenly a contract you thought was sure falls through. You believe someone favoured a competitor's bid. You count on a scholarship, but a poorer student gets it instead. You suspect a teacher wrote you a weak recommendation.
Read more » |
